Ubuntu: X server will not start!!

[sparka]

Hi all,

I am a complete and total linux noob, so I decided to try out Ubuntu. The installation went great, but when starting up Ubuntu I get an error about the X server not being able to start. It then immediately goes to a textual environment.

So now, Im stuck. I don't know what to do.
Can you guys help me out?

Thanks!!!

Specs in sig

 

[Sureshot324]

I got this too when i first installed ubuntu. At the console type this:

nano /etc/X11/xorg.conf

That will open the xorg.conf file in the nano text editor. scroll down to the Device section. Change the line

Driver "ati"

to

Driver "radeon"

I think this is because of a conflict between the ati linux drivers and 64bit linux.

Edit: Later you'll probably want to follow this guide to properly install the real ati drivers.

 

[sparka]

Thanks for the reply Sureshot.

I tried the nano /etc/X11/xorg.conf and I could read the file, however when trying to save the modified file I get "Error writing to xorg.conf: Permission Denied"

Do I need to become root to do this? Because I was using a regular user to read the xorg.conf file.

If I do need to be root, I certainly have no idea how to because I was never prompted for a root password during installation.

????????

Thanks

 

[Sureshot324]

Yes you have to have root access to modify that file.
Unlike most distributions, there isn't really a root user in Ubuntu, so that's why you were not asked for a root password during the install, and that's also why the su command won't work (this command gets you root access). You can type sudo before the command, and it will then ask you for your password (same as your user password). For example:

sudo nano /etc/X11/xorg.conf

Also, you can type sudo -i, and then for the rest of that console session you will have root access so you dont' have to type sudo before every command.

 

[Nothinman]

Unlike most distributions, there isn't really a root user in Ubuntu,

Not true, there is definitely a root user in Ubuntu but by default it's locked and has no password.